Valdez Alaska: Fishing Essentials from Grundens
Andy Husek 10.02.24
For a few years now we have made the trek to Valdez in late summer/early fall to chase silver salmon coming in the harbor to spawn. I say late summer/early fall even though we go at the same time every year but depending on the year it could feel like summer or could feel like fall. One time it even felt like winter! When you make such a long trip from Michigan and only have a few days to fish the last thing you want to do is lose time casting during a tide because of gear issues.
The thing about Valdez and Alaska in general is, it’s going to rain, period. Now, we have been there casting on beautiful sunny days in t-shirts and sunglasses but often we are fighting rain or come type of in climate weather trying to stay warm and dry. Nothing ruins a trip faster that being wet and cold!
This year I was fortunate to have some serious Grundens gear with me to test out and to say I was impressed would be an understatement. This year, in addition to casting for silvers in the harbor we would also be heading out through the islands out into the Gulf of Alaska to fish for Halibut, Ling Cod, Rockfish, Pacific Cod etc. The unique thing about this trip is that we would be spending the night out on the ocean to maximize the long run from port and fish for two days straight.
When I was looking through the Grundens gear I knew I need/wanted something that was “commercial grade’ for civilian use. I know, very specific, but the more I dug the more options I found them to have that were perfect for my pursuits. I fish, a lot……being so close to all the great lakes here in Michigan I can fish for just about anything in any given month of the year. There is ALWAYS something to fish for. So, I wanted to find something thing would stand up to all the seasons and all conditions. That is how I landed on the Buoy X Gore-Tex Jacket and the Buoy X Gore-Tex Bib. This fell in that category of strong enough to be “commercial grade” but civilian enough for me to wear them on most if not all my fishing adventures. They even won the Fish Alaska Magazine “Editor’s Choice Award” for 2024.
Let’s start with the jacket. What I liked about the jacket, when you pick it up it feels tough as nails. I could tell this thing could take a beating form the weather and will likely out last me! It is a gore-text material so still breathable, but it is hands down the toughest Gore-Tex jacket I have ever owned. It almost feels like a Cordura or Kevlar reinforced shell. I was worried that it was going to be too stiff to maneuver but after a few wears it started to loosen up and is right where I want it now. It features the following:
- Waterproof/breathable 220g/m^2 GORE-TEX ® 3L Laminate 100% Polyester with Tricot Backer
- Zippered hand warmer pockets
- Interior neoprene cuffs
- Kill Switch Anchor
- Dual Chest Pockets and interior security pocket
I really like how all the zippers are protected from the elements adding an extra layer of protection from the elements. Alaska sure did put the Buoy X Gore-Tex Jacket to the test and it passed with flying colors. The interior neoprene cuff took a little getting used to but I can tell you it saved me a couple times from water shooting right up the sleeve and soaking me form the inside out.
The Buoy X Gore-Tex Bib followed suit with the matching jacket. The material is much more forgiving from the first wear and requires virtually no break in period. Several times on the overnight trip I found myself earing just the bibs in between breaks of rain. I like a high bib that keep me dry from both the elements but also just general fishing “wetness.” Sometimes on even the sunniest of days I find myself soaked from fish flopping around the boat, bait buckets spilling on me, nest hitting my legs etc. So more often than not I end up wearing a rain pant even on nice days to keep me dry. The Buoy X Gore-Tex Bib was very true to sizing so whatever you would normally wear in terms of sizing this set should follow suit. I like how the in-seam was perfect! Nothing wors than a rain pant that is too long and you are constantly stepping on the cuff. Just in case the in-seam does not fit you just as perfect there is a Velcro cinch on the cuff along with a reinforced heel to combat just that. Specs for the bibs are as follows:
- 220g 100% Waterproof backed by the GORE-TEX “Keep You Dry Promise” Guarantee
- 3L Breathable m^2 GORE-TEX Polyester Fabric
- Front Zipper Closure
- Adjustable Grundéns Suspenders
- Dual Cargo Pockets with Heavy-Duty Snap Closure
- Zippered Hand-Warming Pockets
The final piece of my “stay comfortable” kit was the Grundens Deviation Tall Boot. This boot complimented the Buoy X Jacket and Bib perfectly. Just the right amount of insulations to keep my feet warm and dry but not too thick as to make things uncomfortable. Later into the season I would have likely needed to add an additional wool or may just a thicker pair of socks but for early fall in Alaska they were perfect. I loved the aggressive lugs for a couple reason. Maximum traction on a slippery wet boat deck but also the peace of mind knowing that come fall and winter back here in Michigan these are going to be perfect in the mud as snow. Very easy on and off with the partial neoprene upper yet very snug around the ankles preventing your foot from sliding around. More information in the boots:
- 100% Waterproof, 15 inch shaft height
- Stretch neoprene panels aid ease-of-entry
- Thick, cushioning insole for shock resistance and comfort
- HeiQ Pure & Smart Temp Lining Technology
- HeiQ SmartTemp thermo-regulating lining finish
- Compression-molded, EVA midsole
- Non-marking, lugged rubber outsole and central pods with razor siping
All in all I was very pleased with the Buoy X Gore-Tex Jacket , Buoy X Gore-Tex Bib and the Grundens Deviation Tall Boot. The jacket and pant are DEFINITELY top of the line and quite possibly a little overkill for a lot of people pursuits. But I am of the belief it is far better to be over prepared than under prepared. If you ever THINK there is a chance that you may be out in some weather that might be more than you normally bargain for, I would definitely look into the Buoy X set. The Deviation boot is a more “average joe” type boot that I think you would find very useful in everyday life outside of hunting and fishing. The rain gear and the boots come in a variety of different colors which is a nice option to pick out something that suits you the best. For more information on the Buoy X Gore-Tex Jacket , Buoy X Gore-Tex Bib and the Grundens Deviation Tall Boot. Or any of the other Grundens products that may make sense for you pursuits head on over to their Grundens site and give them a look!
